Showing posts with label cleaning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleaning. Show all posts

Nov 14, 2022

What Las Vegas Homeowners Should Know About Solar Panel Cleaning

 


House with solar panels



 Solar panel installation could be the way to go if you want to save money on your energy bill and reduce your home's carbon footprint. What Las Vegas homeowners should know about solar panel cleaning is that solar panels are an investment. They have a long lifespan (25–30 years) and can pay for themselves over time.



Suppose you're interested in learning more about solar panel maintenance. In that case, this guide will provide you with all the information you need, including how often your panels need care, how much it costs to keep your solar panels, how to clean your solar panels, and more.



Here's what you need to know before you start cleaning solar panels.



Opinions on whether solar panels need to be cleaned vary widely. Some researchers claim solar panels don't need cleaning since rain can do the trick or that dust buildup doesn't significantly reduce output.



However, recent studies have shown that dust buildup on solar panels can reduce efficiency by as much as 20%. Particular regions experience fluctuating temperatures and varying levels of airborne dust. For instance, some areas have relatively little precipitation and air pollution. Dust accumulation in low-rainfall parts may be more significant, necessitating more frequent cleaning. In contrast, areas with frequent rainfall and low levels of air pollution may never need to clean their panels. The degree to which your solar panels accumulate dirt could even be affected by the angle at which your roof is pitched. For example, panels on a flat roof will collect more dirt than those on a steep roof.



 When Do I Need to Clean My Solar Panels?



Examine your home’s solar panels visually once a month to check for dust buildup. A drop in output may also appear on your monthly power bill or the solar system monitoring app. When that time comes, and only then should you worry about washing your solar panels. What Las Vegas homeowners should know about solar panel cleaning is that even if you don't clean them, nature will most likely do it for you.



House with solar panels.
Inspecting your solar panels is usually enough to determine whether they need cleaning.



How does geographic location impact the frequency of solar panel cleaning?



Where you place the panels affects how you will clean them and how often they need cleaning. In most cases, cleaning them once or twice a year is sufficient. In unusual circumstances, however, you might need to clean them frequently.



 Polluted places. Near factories, highways, and airports, solar panels that collect dirt and oil from the air work less well.



  • Places with lots of trees. Leaves falling over solar panels can reduce their ability to absorb sunlight, so it's important to avoid installing them near densely treed areas. Birds are attracted to trees; their droppings can accumulate on the PV cells and damage the surface due to their acidity.

  • Deserts. Sand builds up on PV panels in the Middle East and the American Southwest, which are arid and sandy. Sand builds on PV panels and blocks light, and scratches the surface. Rapid ash may happen in California and Australia, where wildfires occur often. 



What does it cost to keep your solar panels in good working order?



Most households get a professional solar panel cleaner and inspector once a year. There are so many solar panels on the roof that it is prudent to hire a professional installer. The good news is that even if you employ a professional to handle the upkeep, you can expect to pay only a nominal amount. Hiring solar panel cleaning experts isn’t expensive, so you should leave this task to the pros for convenience.



 An annual inspection costs about $150, and two cleanings cost about $150 each ($300 total), so yearly maintenance for a solar panel system costs roughly $450, as reported by Home Advisor. If your solar panel system is broken or dirt and debris build up faster on your panels, you may have to clean them more often and pay more for maintenance.



Woman counting money.
Hiring experts for solar panel cleaning is usually reasonably priced and is the best option.



How to Remove Dust and Grime from Solar Panels



Solar panels are one of the best eco-friendly investments for your home, so here’s how to clean them:


  1. Before cleaning the panels, make sure you have followed the manufacturer's recommendations for doing so. Never attempt a system clean-up from the roof. You and your panels are in danger if you do that. 

  1. You can save time and effort by brushing away any loose dirt before spraying it with water, making squeegeeing much easier. 

  1. You may get by with a suitable nozzle for your lawn hose. A more thorough solar panel cleaning procedure may be required if there is a great deal of dirt and grime. You can use a squeegee attachment to clean. 

  1. You should not use metal tools, abrasives, or cleaning solutions. Scratches on solar panels can block the sun, reducing its effectiveness. Get clean water and wet a cloth-covered sponge or a soft plastic brush. 

  1. As opposed to the "hard water" experienced by some, rainwater has a relatively low mineral content. Squeeze the panels dry after washing to avoid mineral deposits and streaks.




Person holding garden hose.
You can clean solar panels with a garden hose. That is one of the things Las Vegas homeowners should know about solar panel cleaning.



Here are some that you should avoid when cleaning solar panels.


  • Under no circumstances should cold water be used to clean heated panels. The PV panels may crack from the sudden temperature change. Instead, clean panels before sunrise, after sunset, or on a cloudy, cold day.

  • It is not recommended to use chemicals that are acidic or abrasive. Before using a cleaning solution, check the label to see if there are any special precautions you need to take. If you are unsure what to use, stick with plain water and dish soap.

  • Instead of installing gutters, consider using a plant-safe cleaning solution.

  • Never use pressure washers. What Las Vegas homeowners should know about solar panel cleaning is that the glass surface of your solar panels can break if there is too much pressure on them.



 In Conclusion



What Las Vegas homeowners should know about solar panel cleaning is that solar panel systems will cost you more than many other major household purchases. However, they are substantially less high-maintenance and live significantly longer. Solar panel cleaning usually needs to be done once a year. Otherwise, your panels will not require any more maintenance throughout the year as long as they are in good working order.



Images:


https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-solar-panels-on-brown-roof-2850347/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-2-storey-house-2850472/


https://unsplash.com/photos/-8a5eJ1-mmQ


https://unsplash.com/photos/W1r1Ii4AW0Q





Aug 21, 2021

Ways to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout


A woman smiling behind a headboard wrapped in foil.



Getting rid of bulky furniture can be quite a hassle. It takes forethought, whether you are moving out and have no place for it in your new home, or your move did not go as planned and now have some replacing to do, or you wish to replace the furniture that pets or kids have destroyed. It's essential to know different ways to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout. How you should get rid of furniture mainly depends on how much you need to dispose of and how soon you want to complete the task. Here are some options.



Sell old bulky furniture online 



Selling your furniture online is one of the easiest methods that may also be highly advantageous for you. You will be able to sell your belongings on your terms and on your own schedule. You may also barter with a variety of different people from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to photograph your old, bulky furniture and present it in the best light possible. Also, be sure to include a description and a low price, as this will increase the number of individuals interacting with your post. And do not worry about your furniture selling. One man's trash is another man's treasure.



When it comes to packing the furniture you've sold, you'll need to be cautious and utilize the right equipment. Now is the time to stock up on cardboard boxes and packing tape. Bulky items such as a king-size bed might need some extra help when you wish to pack it for a safe transfer. If you have a lot of furniture you're getting rid of, do not be afraid to approach your friends or relatives and ask for assistance.


A man taping a cardboard box shut.
Be especially careful when packing delicate furniture that can break easily



Hold a garage sale



If you wish to speed up the process of selling your furniture, you might want to consider holding a garage sale. Garage sales and online sales are the best ways to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout. This way, you'll be able to get rid of the items much faster than you anticipated. 



However, garage sales can be pretty tricky at times because they require planning and some effort. Clean and polish the furniture to make it look presentable and move it to the front side of your house. Then, price the items reasonably, spread the word about the sale, and wait for potential customers to arrive. Keep in mind that to sell everything quickly, you may need to decrease the prices.



Donate old bulky furniture



If you want to be more charitable, you may decide to donate the furniture you no longer need. Giving your furniture a new home will feel fantastic. You never know who will be grateful to have the pieces you're eager to discard. First, ask your friends and family if they wish to receive your unwanted items. After that, check different local shelters or charities. But remember, not all items are eligible for donation. Some bulky furniture may be in poor condition, making donation difficult. It will also be an issue if your furniture is hefty and large. Therefore, you will need to inspect your items and research which you can donate and which not. 


Two men handling a dolly with two cardboard boxes on it.
It might be a great time to volunteer and donate your items all on the same day!


Recycle it 



If your items are in too bad shape or were just impossible to donate, do not worry. You can recycle them! It will require some work on your side but is a tried and true way to get rid of old bulky furniture. Before you even think about recycling, check with your local recycling center to see if there are any limitations on what they'll accept. In some cases, these centers might have a long list of regulations, so double-check before bringing anything.  To transport it to the recycling center you have chosen, you might need to break it down. It necessitates the use of gloves and safety eyewear. Who knows, by the end, your old closet might become beautiful timber flooring



Dispose of it



Some items cannot be recycled, sold, or donated, so the last and final way to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout is to dispose of them



The guys from centennialmoving.ca strongly advise reducing the amount of load you are moving to a new home, especially if you are moving long-distance or even internationally. It will lower the cost of your move and make it significantly less challenging. Therefore, whatever you no longer need or want in your life, particularly if it's on the bulkier side, you will be best off eliminating. 



So, if you have no other option, there are several ways to dispose of massive furniture. 



Get a roll-off dumpster



A roll-off dumpster is a huge, tough-to-break-down waste bin often utilized for big cleanup jobs. It is rectangular, made of steel, and has an open top. There are different places where you may rent one. The prices vary depending on the location, size, trash type, weight, and rental time. You must schedule a pickup once you load your items (with the help of your friends and family or without). Most places offer online scheduling, which can be pretty convenient.



Obtain the services of a junk removal company



Getting professional help is always a good choice if you are tight on time and need help. Junk removal services are just what you need! Professionals from a junk removal company will come to your home to estimate the cost of removing your furniture. The price will depend on the number of items you want to get rid of and their weight. Also, by choosing this option, you will save yourself the trouble of moving furniture. You can entirely rely on the professionals you hired to load and transfer your old bulky furniture.


A man operating a forklift and lifting a few boxes.

A safe and sure way to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout is to hire professional help.



Take the items to a landfill near you



As a final resort, you can transport your furniture to a landfill near you. Because landfills are usually full, this should be your last option. Also, you must do your research on which things they might accept in your city's landfills. Additionally, see if your city offers any free bulk pickup services. Before you attempt to get rid of old bulky furniture during a home cleanout on your own, always contact any landfill or service and gather all the necessary information. Then, you will be one step closer to getting settled in your new home getting settled in your new home and you will have no loose ends do deal with. 



Photos used: 


https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-smiling-behind-the-headboard-3616688/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-taping-carrying-box-with-scotch-4246120/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/city-man-love-people-6647015/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-riding-on-yellow-forklift-1267329/



 

 


Jun 18, 2021

The Perks of Going Paperless in Your Office


File organizers are a staple in any Australian office. Regardless of whether your business activity is close to nothing or enormous, your office should have file organizers to store significant reports. Today, with an ever increasing number of workplaces are going paperless, some may speedy to presume that file organizers are losing their importance inside the workplace world. In spite of the fact that workplaces that go paperless appear to utilize file organizers a lot lesser now, this doesn't mean they not need such a furnishing. 



The primary goal of going paperless is for workplaces to get a good deal on purchasing packs and packs of paper and ink. Reliable with office cleaning experts, another critical target of its proportional back strong waste, which could at last damage the climate. Indeed, the goals of paperless workplaces are unquestionably useful and reasonable, yet would they say they are a danger to file organizers? The arrangement might be a cold no. Going paperless doesn't mean you're destroying paper from workplaces yet lessening your utilization of them. 

Image:pixabay.com


In spite of the developing fame of going paperless, workplaces are as yet in desperate need of file organizers in light of the fact that not all records are frequently put away in computerized gadgets. There are kind of paper-works that need to be printed and to be recorded during a protected spot, which affirm the non-blurring significance of file organizers. Thus, new entrepreneurs who are having the opportunity to recruit out or to decide their own office should in any case contribute on quality and tough file organizers since they will utilize them all through the lifetime of their business. 



Picking the appropriate file organizers for your office isn't as simple since it sounds. It’s very hard to search out the most straightforward bureau in light of the fact that there's just set number of pantries you'll pick between yet there are too much, picking the appropriate one are regularly a task. To look for the legitimate one for your new office, you'd need to consider the purchasing guides underneath. 



1. abilities numerous cupboards your office needs – Before raging into office supplies focus around there, you need to initially figure out which rate cupboards your office would wish . To attempt to this, you'd had the chance to decide the quantity of reports you'd had the opportunity to store and get. In the event that have little office, purchasing two to 3 file organizers would do the trick. Nonetheless, regardless that your working environment includes a bigger space, it's reasonable and coherent to take a situation in office cupboards. 



2. Get the legitimate size – As referenced by office cleaning specialists, you would prefer not to look for a record that is too large or excessively little for your office space. File organizers do are accessible various sizes, which is the reason it's essential to encourage the appropriate one for your working environment. There are a few variables to consider when choosing what such an office bureau you should buy, these incorporate your office space's size where you'll put the pantries , the components of archives you're having the opportunity to put inside them, and general format of your office. 



3. Discover furniture trade foundation s – When attempting to discover a retail location, the general guideline is to match and difference. It’s significant that you essentially investigate the evaluating and terms of different stores for you to ask the first incentive for your cash. Likewise, you'd need to search out file organizers Sydney online since there are numerous online stores that give less expensive costs. When you purchase from a web store, you don't to stress over shipping the pantries to your office since its normal for online stores to deliver the thing/s to their customers. 



File organizers keep up their significance in any Sydney office, regardless of the developing pattern related with paperless workplaces. There are a lot of records that require the security of file organizers, including contracts, receipts, secret archives, and declarations.




Dec 5, 2020

Improve Your Quality of Life by Hiring a House Cleaner

pixabay.com/illustrations/cleaning-service-cleaner-business-5077743

This year has shown that we all need to take a step back and care more about ourselves and the people close to us. One of the ways to achieve that is to ensure that the environment we spend most of our time in, i.e. our home is clean and safe. This is achieved through constant cleaning which is a pretty daunting task even if you live alone in a small apartment.

To be able to keep up with this demand you need to ensure you have enough time and energy every day to spend on cleaning. I wanted to know whether there’s some workaround, and luckily there is. Annapolis home cleaners opened up so many new possibilities for my free time when they explained how useful a professional made is.

Professional Quality

One of the perks of hiring an experienced maid is that you can rest assured that your home is not only going to look pretty but more importantly, it would become a safe and healthy place, especially now that you need to avoid as much risk as possible. Not many people would buy expensive equipment or cleaning agents to only use them occasionally with poor results.

It is more efficient to pay experts to do this for you while you can focus on the more important stuff. Expect a thorough, regular, and efficient job that is going to save you so much precious time. You can rest assured that all those difficult-to-reach corners of your home or stains you failed to get rid of are going to be dealt with. Your job is to sit back, relax, and let professionals do their best.

More Time for Hobbies

We all know how important it is to have free time as much as possible. You can acquire more time for yourself if you ask for help from others. If you can let someone else do a better job than you, why waste any more of your time? A maid can relieve you of this boring chore and open up new possibilities for you to enjoy the rest of your day.

You spend that time chatting with your friends, watch your favorite show, read a book, or just take a good old nap. The possibilities are endless, and I think it really is worth the money you invest because time is a resource we can never earn back, and why waste it on chores?

A Service Made for You

The most convenient thing about cleaning service is that you don’t have to adjust your everyday routine so that a maid can come. You decide when it best suits you, and if you want to completely avoid being present while your house is getting cleaned, you can go out for a walk. The best way to use this service to the fullest is to schedule regular visits ahead of time. This way you will ensure your home is always free of germs, bacteria, and dirt.

As you can see the pros are countless, the cons are almost nonexistent. There’s no point wasting time and effort doing something you don’t like. The logic is simple here, you want the best results, and to achieve that you pay for a professional service. This concerns not only cleaning but any other service you use. You don’t cut your own hair, sew your own clothes, or bake your own bread. I mean you can, but you usually don’t so there’s no valid reason why you shouldn’t hire a maid to care about the cleanliness of your home.


Aug 28, 2020

Three Things You Need to Do Before Going on Vacation

Taking a break from your hectic work life at least once a year is absolutely paramount for your mental health, as well as your physical health. Not having to worry about things for a while helps you rest more fully and renew your energy and enthusiasm when it is time to go back to work.

image:pixabay.com/photos/coronavirus-mask-dish-wash-water-5101904

We have compiled a list of some of the most important things you need to do at home before you depart for your dream vacation destination. Even though the global pandemic may be limiting your destination options, you should not neglect the time off. However, before you go, make sure your home is good to stay empty for that time.

Clear Away Your Kitchen

There are many things in your kitchen that you use frequently, but if you left them for a long period of time, may go bad and cause you some problems. For instance, that bowl of fruit which you keep on the kitchen island looks great and is a great source of healthy snacks if you are hungry, but leaving it out for over a week would probably result in some nasty smells you would have to deal with.

Similarly, if you forget to take out the trash before you go, what may await you when you return is certainly not pleasant. Aside from the rancid smells that may come from garbage, you also risk having pests such as insects or even rats converging in your kitchen.

Clean Your Home

Clearing away spoilable things in your kitchen is important due to spoilage. On the other hand, cleaning your home before you leave has more of a psychological effect. Sure, it may not be a fun thing to do right before your vacation, but imagine returning home after 2 weeks to find your home a complete mess that needs to be cleaned thoroughly. It may knock the wind out of your sails fairly quickly.

If you are not in the mood to clean your home by yourself, there are professional cleaning services you can use. You can wait to hire a cleaner to clean your home after you return from your vacation, but those things are typically better done before leaving.

Make Sure your Home Doesn’t Look Vacant

There are certain individuals who pay attention to what homes are empty for several days during the vacation season. These people will then attempt to burgle the house while nobody is in – an easy target for them with very little chance of encountering the owners.

Even if it is not a common occurrence where you live, there are a few things you can do to make your home appear less attractive to those kinds of people. Having a friend to pick up your mail so it doesn’t pile up is the simplest and a very effective start.

However, if your home has some smart features, you can do a lot more. For instance, setting the lights in various rooms to turn on and off occasionally would not be too wasteful, and is visually effective.

Once you’ve done all you can for your home, it is finally time to do yourself a favor and go on a vacation, relax, and recover so you can be a productive member of society, at least until the next time you need a holiday.

 


Jul 8, 2020

Dealing with Water Damage Like a Pro



Dealing with damage to your home is never easy, whether it’s small or big, the stress and the potential danger to your health will always be present. Water is one of the elements that might do harm to your living space, and these unfortunate occurrences can be very difficult to predict or detect because they are often not in your control. Risk Free Serv gave me some guidelines on how to best act when water damages a home, and what to do before asking for help from professionals, here’s what I learned:
image:shutterstock.com

Types of Water


There are three types of water that might affect your home: clean, gray, and black. Clean water is the regular water we use every day or rainwater. It's important to note that this type of water is not directly harmful and you are safe to assess the damage yourself without risk of poisoning.

Gray water or used water comes from your washing machine, toilet, or dishwasher. This water might be contaminated and it is somewhat safe to deal with if you are careful and use protective equipment.

Blackwater is dangerous, it is usually water from a sewer or a nearby river in case of floods, and dealing with it is not recommended, no matter how experienced or confident you are, this type of water is probably contaminated and dangerous and best left to the pros to handle.

Amount of Damage


Depending on how much damage was done you can measure how much you can do on your own before calling professionals. Safety is always crucial, but if you don’t want to waste any time and try to save as much as possible here are a few steps you can take to make it easier for later restoration.

Check Electricity


The first thing you want to do is to make sure you kill electricity in your home. If not entirely, then at least you can unplug all appliances, and if possible take them outside. Using appliances in a flooded home is definitely not recommended as it might cause a fire. Ensuring that everything is unplugged from the wall sockets is critical even if the electricity is currently not available in your home.

Check for Mold


Mold is one of those unwelcome guests that thrive in moist areas. A home damaged by water is ideal for its growth. Even if the damage is small, mold can easily find its way in your walls or floors and spread its infestation.

Dry the Area


This is the first step before any restoration can start. You need to remove all water from the premises by using fans or dehumidifiers to dry the place out. Open all windows and doors to enable airflow and start the process.

Throw away Porous Materials


Materials like wood which can usually be found in your floors or ceilings can become a breeding ground for mildew and the best way to deal with that is to dispose of those materials. Wood, drywall, or unsealed cement are risky and should be removed. These materials are often included in your home’s foundation and should be addressed so you can safely proceed with the restoration.

Disinfection


This is the last step before the restoration can finally begin. When all the water and porous materials are removed and when the place is dry, it’s time to disinfect your home. You can use bleach and spray affected areas to prevent mold growth, but if the damage was too big or if the water was contaminated then your safest bet is to contact professionals who have experience and equipment to best handle these situations.

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